Strong Winds of Up to 70mph to Batter the Country, Prompting Safety Advice

The UK is bracing for strong winds this weekend, with gusts expected to reach up to 70mph in some areas. The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for wind, covering several regions in England and Wales. These warnings are in effect from Sunday evening through Monday afternoon. Residents in the affected areas are advised to prepare for potential travel disruptions and possible power outages.

The Met Office forecasts strong winds arriving across coastal areas and then spreading inland. Widespread gusts of 45-55 mph are expected, with the potential for gusts of 60-70 mph along exposed coasts and hills. The winds are expected to gradually ease later in the afternoon and into the evening on Monday.

To protect homes and gardens, households are urged to secure their properties. This includes locking doors and windows. The Met Office also recommends removing loose items from gardens, such as outdoor lights and hanging baskets, as these could be blown away. People should also check road conditions and public transport schedules, and prepare for potential power cuts by gathering essential items like torches and batteries.

Additional safety advice includes securing loose objects that could be blown into windows, closing and fastening doors and windows, and parking vehicles in a garage or away from potential hazards. Loft trapdoors should be secured, and storm shutters should be closed and fastened if available.

According to Steven Walley, a landscaping and gardening expert, it's crucial to take precautions to protect homes during windy and rainy weather. He emphasizes the importance of locking all doors and windows to prevent damage from heavy rain and strong winds.